LiDAR Receive Path Using Fiber Optic Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in efficiently detecting returned light pulses due to the need for complex optical paths or close placement of detection mechanisms, which can lead to errors such as walk-off errors and stringent tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fiber optic cable in the receive path of a LiDAR system, combined with a field lens to redirect returned light pulses into the fiber or directly into a light detector, allows for flexible placement of the detector and reduces errors associated with pulse walk-off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex optical path is used to detect returned light pulses, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and walk-off errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
An optical fiber is introduced as an intermediary component in the receive path to transmit returned light pulses from the steering system to the detector. This mediator allows flexible placement of the detector while maintaining signal integrity, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity by decoupling the detector position from the immediate vicinity of the steering system.
2Productivity
If detection mechanisms are placed close to the steering system, then detection efficiency is improved, but placement flexibility is reduced and tolerances become stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber acts as a flexible intermediary that connects the steering system to the detector over extended distances. This enables the detector to be placed in arbitrary locations relative to the steering system while maintaining efficient light transmission, thereby achieving both detection efficiency and placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter of the detector placement from 'close to steering system' to 'arbitrary position via fiber connection'. This parameter change enables flexible positioning without compromising detection efficiency, as the optical fiber maintains signal transmission quality over the extended path.
3Device complexity
If traditional optical paths are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but walk-off errors increase and tolerances become stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber serves as a reliable intermediary that guides returned light pulses with minimal loss and error. By routing light through the fiber rather than through complex free-space optical paths, the system reduces walk-off errors and relaxes tolerances while maintaining overall system simplicity through the use of a well-established component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves the integrity and detection of light signals by allowing the light detector to be placed arbitrarily relative to the signal steering system, thereby reducing errors and increasing the tolerance for system variations.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber having a receiving end configured to receive the returned light pulse along the optical receive path
Implementation Method 2
a field lens positioned along the optical receive path, wherein the field lens is configured to redirect the returned light pulse from the one or more mirrors into the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system comprises: a light source configured to generate a pulse signal from the LiDAR system; one or more mirrors configured to steer a returned light pulse associated with the transmitted pulse signal along an optical receive path; a field lens positioned along the optical receive path, wherein the field lens is configured to redirect the returned light pulse; a fiber having a receiving end configured to receive the returned light pulse from the field lens along the optical receive path; and a light detector configured to receive the returned light pulse from an end of the fiber opposite the receiving end.